Cute carnage is back in vogue right now, but don’t worry–this new product series doesn’t come with any actual blood splattered on it.
Can Do, a Japanese 100-yen chainstore, is currently partnering with a character that aims to be the antithesis of all things cute for a line of new affordable and practical lifestyle goods. Born in 2000 by Japanese graphic designer Mori Chack, Gloomy Bear is decidedly not the kind of cuddly mascot dreamed up by Sanrio. He’s a pink bear that may seem cute at first glance, but he has a violent side and often attacks Pity, his human friend. He’s usually depicted with bloodstains on his mouth or sharp claws after being a little too “affectionate” with Pity.
Wouldn’t you know, though–this kind of guro-kawaii (“grotesque cute”) aesthetic resonated with fans around the world, and Gloomy Bear is still going strong while celebrating his 25th anniversary this year. Can Do’s collaborative lineup is sure to be a hit among fans, especially since all items are priced at only 110 yen (US$0.74), including tax. Let’s take a look at the new collection below.
● Mini grid pouch (two kinds)
● Tin badge & cover set (two kinds)
● Clear card case (two kinds)
● Clear case with carabiner (two kinds)
● B8-sized zip lock bags–12-pack (two kinds)
● A5-sized folder (two kinds)
● Sticky notes–square (two kinds)
● Card sleeves–10-pack (two kinds)
● Acrylic umbrella charm (two kinds)
● Reel keychain with carabiner (two kinds)
● Petit charm–two-pieces (two kinds)
● Flat stickers (two kinds)
If this is your first time learning about Gloomy Bear and are slightly shocked by the concept, don’t worry, because Japan has plenty of other strange mascot characters to admire as well. For instance, take Balding the middle-aged fairy mascot or Myaku-Myaku, the symbol of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo who recently lost a popularity contest on its own home turf. There’s enough weird for everyone out there!
Source, images: PR Times
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Time to get wet: Underwater photos of girls in sailor suits and… plastic exoskeletons?
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Does thin-strip beef specialist Yoshinoya know what it’s doing with thick-cut pork?【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Time to get wet: Underwater photos of girls in sailor suits and… plastic exoskeletons?
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Does thin-strip beef specialist Yoshinoya know what it’s doing with thick-cut pork?【Taste test】
Burger King Japan launches King Fusion, and the possibilities are endless (and delicious)
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
The dream of riding Final Fantasy Chocobos is coming to Tokyo VR centers
Sapporo Snow Festival reveals upcoming ice sculptures and displays for 2018
Burger King’s Controversial Anime Viewing Burger: Rip-Off or Work of Art?
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima